S Solok Targets 109,410 Tons Corn Production in 2018

Padang Aro, (Antaranews Sumbar) - South Solok District, West Sumatra targets 109,410 tons corn production in 2018 or it increases 5,478 tons compared to 2017, which is only 103,932 tons. "To achieve the target, we optimize the integration of corn crops with palm oil and invite people to utilize unused land," Head of ocal Food Crops of Agriculture Department, Nurhamidah stated in Padang Aro, Wednesday. The local government maintains rice production so that the cultivation of corn is prohibited in productive fields. He explained that currently there are 8,773 hectares of corn land with a target of planting in 2018 is covering 21,932 hectares. While South Solok corn planting index is 2.5 tons per year so that if there is a new planting period in 2018, it will harvest in 2019. "We reduce the number from seven tons per hectare to five tons because there is integration with palm," he stated. In general, South Solok corn production throughout 2017 reached 95,862 tons or lower than the target set 103,932 tons. The production achievement is 92.23 percent or less than the target because the land area is less available especially the integration with palm, therefore this year the integration of palm-corn is more optimized. Throughout 2017, South Solok corn planting area is 14,437 hectares, while the target reaches 15,497 hectares. While the harvested area is also below the target of 15,030 hectares or 95.83 percent of the target set 15,684 hectares, he added. (cha) Translator: Vicha Faradika